Tara VanDerveer, the NCAA's winningest basketball coach with 1,216 victories, has announced her retirement from Stanford after 38 seasons, leaving behind a legacy that includes three national championships and 14 Final Four appearances. Negotiations are underway for her former player and longtime staff member, Kate Paye, to succeed her. VanDerveer expressed gratitude for the support throughout her career and will continue to work with Stanford in an advisory capacity. Stanford's athletic director praised her as a pioneering figure in women's basketball and an influential presence at the university for 40 years.
Oklahoma State has hired Steve Lutz as its new men's head basketball coach, following his successful stint at Western Kentucky where he led the team to three straight NCAA Tournaments. Lutz, known for his recruiting and program-building skills, has signed a five-year deal with the Cowboys, replacing former coach Mike Boynton Jr. An official announcement is expected soon.
Jerrod Calhoun, former head coach at Youngstown State, has been named the new head men's basketball coach at Utah State University. Calhoun has a successful coaching record, including leading Youngstown State to consecutive 20-win seasons and multiple postseason appearances. He is known for his recruiting skills and understanding of the competitive nature of college basketball. Calhoun's appointment has been praised by various figures in the basketball community, and he is eager to lead the Aggie program to success on and off the court.
James Madison University has hired Preston Spradlin, the former head coach of Morehead State, as its new men's basketball coach. Spradlin led Morehead State to two NCAA tournament appearances and built the program into one of the most consistent mid-major teams. He replaces Mark Byington and is excited to lead the JMU program during a monumental time for the university.
The University of Louisville has approved a 5-year contract worth just over $10 million for Pat Kelsey to become the new men's basketball coach. Kelsey, who has coached in NCAA Division I for 12 seasons and led College of Charleston to the NCAA Tournament four times, expressed excitement about the challenge and the tradition-rich program. Louisville's athletic director emphasized the importance of finding a coach who can connect with the fans and identified Kelsey as the right fit. Kelsey's energetic coaching style and winning tradition are hoped to bring success to Louisville's basketball program.
Dru Joyce III, an Akron native and former standout point guard, will succeed Keith Dambrot as the new men's basketball coach at Duquesne University. The announcement was confirmed by a source and later tweeted about by LeBron James, a close friend of Joyce. With a successful career as a player and assistant coach, Joyce is set to take over the head coaching role after Dambrot's retirement. His deep ties to the Akron basketball community and his experience as an assistant coach make him a fitting successor to continue Duquesne's recent success.
The University of Louisville is expected to hire College of Charleston's Pat Kelsey as their new head basketball coach, pending final contract discussions. Kelsey, known for his successful coaching career and strong leadership, is set to take over a Louisville program in need of rebuilding. With back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances at Charleston, Kelsey brings a track record of success to the Cardinals.
Darian DeVries, who led Drake to six consecutive 20-win seasons and has a career .732 winning percentage as a head coach, has been named the head men's basketball coach at West Virginia University. DeVries, a two-time MVC Coach of the Year, has a successful coaching record and has led Drake to three NCAA Tournament appearances. He agreed to a five-year deal with West Virginia University and expressed excitement about leading the program.
The 9-year-old son of the Twinsburg girls varsity basketball coach, Ryan Looman, tragically died in a car crash on Sunday. The crash also involved his wife Liz and their children. The community is rallying around the family, with a GoFundMe set up to support them. The school district will provide counseling for the grieving team, and it's uncertain if any games will be canceled. This marks the second death in the Twinsburg sports community this school year, following the passing of baseball coach Jeff Luca in December.
Dale Young, a beloved father, grandfather, and uncle, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Milwaukee. Known as a family man and passionate basketball coach, Young's legacy extended beyond the court, as he helped young athletes travel and experience new opportunities. He was targeted while assisting his niece in leaving a dangerous domestic situation. The community mourns his loss and urges others to carry on his mission of compassion and ending gun violence. One suspect has been arrested, and the police are searching for another.
Bob Huggins, the former basketball coach of West Virginia, claims he never resigned following a DUI arrest and wants his job back. His attorney sent a letter to the university stating that Huggins never signed a resignation letter or communicated his resignation to anyone at WVU. The letter threatens a lawsuit if Huggins is not reinstated. The university responded, stating they are confused by the allegations and that Huggins clearly communicated his resignation in writing. Huggins' wife sent an email to the deputy athletic director, which the university accepted as his resignation. Huggins' attorney argues that the resignation was a breach of his employment agreement and seeks its correction.
Makuach Yak, a youth basketball coach from Delray Beach, Florida, was found dead in a park nearly a week after he was last seen going for a run. No foul play is suspected, and the cause of death is yet to be determined by the medical examiner. Yak's wallet, keys, cellphone, and Apple Watch were found at home. Friends and family had held search parties throughout Delray Beach since he was reported missing. Yak, a native of South Sudan, coached youth basketball in the South Florida region.
Makuach Yak, a 31-year-old youth basketball coach who had been missing since last weekend, was found dead in Delray Beach's Delray Oaks Natural Area. The cause of death is yet to be determined by the medical examiner, but police say it does not appear to be criminal. Yak disappeared while going for a run last weekend, and family and friends had been searching for him throughout the week.
Visitation, funeral and Celebration of Life will be held next week for former legendary University of Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum who died at the age of 86. The funeral services for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 15, at Southeast Christian Church on Blankenbaker Parkway. A public Celebration of Life will be held at the KFC Yum! Center at 7 p.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, Crum's family is asking for a donation to the Denny Crum Scholarship Fund or your favorite charity.
Bob Huggins, the head basketball coach at West Virginia, made homophobic comments on a Cincinnati radio station. University officials are reviewing the situation, and the decision to dismiss Huggins is in the hands of the school president and athletic director. Huggins will not attend a previously scheduled speaking engagement for the second straight night. He coached at the University of Cincinnati for 16 years and is the winningest coach in program history.
